On Wednesday, Feb. 24th – Sunday, Feb. 28^th, celebrate with Whole Foods as they open their first and only Maui Store.

First Whole Foods - Homey and Retro

The retail chain, founded in Austin, TX in 1980, was built on the notion that the US consumer was ready for authentic, wholesome, natural foods presented in a supermarket format. Oh, yeah – consumers certainly were ready. Soon enough the unassuming team behind the way cool approach to food retailing, who in their earliest years were so poor they lived at the store and bathed in the commercial dishwasher, expanded their biz over the years turning it into a multi-mega business which has become a household name. Now, it’s even on Maui (which, by the way, does not even remotely satisfy the criteria required for opening a new store so I’m glad they gave us a chance.)

And soon enough, Wall Street!!

On Wednesday, February 24^th the store’s first 200 customers that spend over $50 dollars will receive a FREE reusable bag representing the history of local agriculture and the new Maui store. Each bag will be filled with a beautiful Maui Gold pineapple. Customers can collect their free gift from the Healthy Eating booth (in the Produce Department) while supplies last.

Schedule for Maui Whole Foods Store Grand Opening Events

• Gift Card Giveaway on Thursday. The first 50 customers to sign up for WFs e-newsletter will receive a $10 dollar Whole Foods Market gift card. To sign up please visit the Healthy Eating booth in the Produce Department.
• Coffee Day on Friday. The first 200 customers who enter the store will receive a free Whole Foods Market coffee tumbler and a free cup of local Maui coffee.
• Opening Day Redux on Saturday. For the customers who missed opening day, this is a chance to go back in time. The store’s first 200 customers that spend over $50 dollars will receive a FREE reusable bag representing the history of local agriculture and the new Maui store. Customers can collect their free gift from a Healthy Eating booth (in the Produce Department) while supplies last.
• Sandwich Days at Whole Foods Market on Sunday. Shoppers who purchase a custom-made sandwich from the store’s prepared foods department can choose between a container of free potato salad or macaroni salad (4 ounces) while supplies last.
• Value Tours on Sunday. At 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., customers can join the Whole Foods Market Value Tour – a custom-guided walk through the store. Contact the store at 872-3310 to reserve a spot – RSVPs are required.
• Community Support Day on March 3^rd. Five percent of net sales for the day will be donated to The Maui Farm, a nonprofit organization providing farm-based, family style residential programs for individuals and families in transition to self-sufficiency.

Whole Foods has certainly grown since their humble beginnings but even though they are big, they are still gentle.  I’m very happy to see them here on island. The store’s regular hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

See you in the deli section!!